Name: ____________________________ THANKSGIVING HISTORY Directions: What do you know about the Thanksgiving holiday? At the Web site given, read about the history of Thanksgiving from 1621 to 2001. Then read each question below. Three possible answers appear below each question. Make an X on the line before each correct answer. Web Resources: Pilgrim Hall Museum http://www.pilgrimhall.org/f_thanks.htm 1. Why was the Pilgrim’s first corn crop such a successful one? _____ a. Squanto had given the Pilgrims planting tips _____ b. The Pilgrims planted corn in hills _____ c. They used fish as fertilizer _____ d. All of the above 2. In 1621, the Pilgrims gathered for a feast, which has since come to be known as the "first Thanksgiving." Why was that feast held? _____ a. to celebrate the wedding of John Alden and Priscilla Mullins _____ b. to celebrate the completion of the Plimoth Colony's first church _____ c. to celebrate the Pilgrims' first harvest 3. About how many people attended the first Thanksgiving? _____ a. 50 _____ b. 140 _____ c. 25 4. Who issued the first proclamation making Thanksgiving an annual national holiday? _____ a. George Washington _____ b. Abraham Lincoln _____ c. James Madison 5. On what day of each year is Thanksgiving celebrated in the United States? _____ a. fourth Thursday in November _____ b. last Thursday in November _____ c. Thursday, November 22 Something to Think About: When do you think Thanksgiving should be celebrated? Why? Learn More: Go to The 1621 Thanksgiving at http://www.mayflowerhistory.com/History/thanksgiving.php and read about the foods available to the Pilgrims in 1621. Create a possible menu for the first Thanksgiving feast. © 2005 by Education World®. Education World grants users permission to reproduce this work sheet for educational purposes only..